Join us in celebrating Black History Month at the University of Guelph!
“This year’s theme, “All in Our Blackness: Our Legacy, Our Stories, Our Future,” was set by the Black History Month Committee. Students and staff on the committee, led by Student Experience’s Cultural Diversity Services, selected this theme to honour the richness, diversity, and continuity of Black life across generations.
“All in Our Blackness” affirms the fullness of Black identity and embraces the many cultures, experiences and expressions that exist within the Black community. “Our Legacy” recognizes the foundations laid by those who came before us and whose resistance, creativity and leadership continue to shape the present. “Our Stories” centres the voices, narratives and lived experiences of Black people and acknowledges the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and connection. “Our Future” looks ahead with intention and hope and emphasizes collective responsibility to nurture, uplift, and build a more just and equitable world for generations to come.”
The U of G theme complements the Government of Canda’s chosen theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” Canada’s theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present and will inspire future generations.
Black History Month artwork created by student Ethieoghena
This year’s Black History Month graphics contain artwork created by fourth-year Criminal Justice and Public Policy student Ethieoghena Iluebbey. The artwork was submitted as part of a contest asking for U of G community members to submit original art that represented the Black community at U of G.
Stay tuned for a profile on Ethieoghena to learn more about her and what inspired her art.
Black History Month Events
The Black History Month planning committee invites you to join in the following feature BHM events.
See a full list of events happening across campus on GryphLife.
BHM Live Show: Cadence Weapon
- Friday, Jan. 30, 6 – 9 p.m. (Peter Clark Hall, University Centre)
The Black History Month Live Show will showcase student talent and headline Black Canadian artist, Cadence Weapon. This event will be an opportunity to kick off Black History Month with a musical celebration and to get the Guelph community and U of G student population amped for the upcoming events scheduled throughout February!
Students, staff and faculty welcome.
BHM Cooking Class: African Street Eats
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Anita Stewart Food Lab, Macdonald Institute)
Join us for our first-ever student led BHM Cooking Class!
This cooking workshop hosted by The African Student Association (TASA) introduces students to African street foods and comfort classics. This cooking class aims to highlight how our shared roots create diverse expressions through food, using accessible ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.
This event is open to all students at the University of Guelph although certain spots will be reserved for Students that identify as Black.
Black Owned Market: BHM Edition
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, noon – 5 p.m. (University Centre Courtyard)
In collaboration with Kween, this event features black vendors from the University of Guelph and surrounding communities. There will be food, clothing, jewelry, cosmetic products and much more all in celebration of black legacy.
All are welcome.
BHM Keynote Address with Dr. Andrew B. Campbell
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 – 8 p.m. (Peter Clark Hall, University Centre)
Our keynote speaker is Dr. Andrew B. Campbell from the University of Toronto (OISE). Participants should come prepared to engage with one of the most brilliant speakers on this year’s BHM theme, All in Our Blackness: Our Legacy, Our Stories, Our Future. It promises to be an unforgettable keynote address.
Find more BHM events on GryphLife.
Special thanks to the Black History Month planning committee!
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Amelia Kezaabu, Akierah Binns, Alexis Charles, Shelleanne Hardial, Ethieoghena Iluebbey (Cultural Diversity Services)
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Yolanda Grant (Guelph Black Students Association)
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Caleb Harwood and Kimia Mehrafshan (Sexual and Gender Diversity)
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Opeyemi Oloyede (The African Students Association)
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Celina Griffiths (Caribbean Cultural Club)
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Roshaun Marchall (Guelph Black Professionals)
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Pawandeep Singh (Central Student Association)
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Belle-Ange Mwepu, Bright Opoku, Hayley Mcnamara, Rheanna Mamdani (Black and Racialized Residence Network)
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Omorowa Eguakun (OPIRG Guelph)
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Abii Barrett, Gemma Victor, Jessica T. Bundy (College of Social and Applied Human Sciences)
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Erin Szikora (Art Gallery of Guelph)
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Adria Joel, Rashida Odumoye (Student Wellness)
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Angeli Mehrotra, Khadijah Peters, Amoy Marshall Green (Experiential Learning Hub)
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Mariam Ashraf (Guelph Future Black Physicians)
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Madison Benham (Alumni Affairs)